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Sign of the Whale, San Diego, CA

Sign of the Whale

3.6
3.6
6 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
672 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6916

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Great for brunch
  • Innovative
Inherently Californian, but with global appeal, Sign of the Whale is the newest addition to San Diego. Our dynamic venue features classic design touches that incorporate some of the building’s original elements from the late 1800s. We take a straightforward approach in our kitchen, relying on high-quality and locally sourced ingredients to produce balanced, approachable American dishes with a seafood touch. At night, a lively crowd gathers for nightly entertainment and our thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu- curated with a focus on natural ingredients paired in surprising and refreshing combinations.

Our main dining room is complete with a full-service bar and wrap around patio, perfect for people watching along the bustling 5th Avenue Street. In the basement, discover The Brig. Formerly a jailhouse, the space has been transformed into a premiere nightlife destination for late night revelers seeking a little mischief.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 am Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 6 people are saying

Sign of the Whale reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

3.6
3.6 based on all time ratings
  • 3.6Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 3.6Value

NoiseModerate

6 Reviews
  1. Bree

    San Diego2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on September 14, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server Abby was incredible. Unmatched service. Everyone came to pet our puppy which was super cool. Food was alright. But the puppy brunch plate made our fur baby very very sick.
    Sign of the WhaleResponded on September 23, 2019
    Hi Brianda! Thank you for taking the time to review. I'm so sorry to hear about your pup! Our kitchen knows to make the meals bland without seasoning so I'm not sure why that would happen. We would love to make it up to you, message us with your email address and I'll send you a certificate at the chance of improving upon your experience here. Cheers! - Liz M.

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  2. Nikkigee0915

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 10, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jesse, was amazing ! She had great customer service! We had let her know it was our first time there and she took care of us. I have some food allergies, and she made sure to write it down thoroughly and suggest different options for myself. Will definitely be coming back!

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  3. Lkysocal

    San Diego19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 27, 2019

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Let me start by saying that I visited the restaurant with friends during their soft opening. So not all items in the menu were available. However none of the dishes that we ordered had the wow factor. On the menu there were some dishes that sounded promising. Service was quick and good.

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  4. LizM

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 20, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My boyfriend and I decided to try out the new joint and we weren't disappointed. From the host stand to our table we were welcomed and greeted with warm smiles and genuine pleasure. Our server quickly explained to us that they were operating with a slightly limited (that what they would normally server) menu due to Comic Con which had us worried at first, but then when we saw the menu, it was very extensive and in our opinion not limited at all! I cant wait to come back and try the full menu. We had the Ahi Poke, BBQ flat break and a salad and split all 2. All came out relatively quickly considering how busy they were, and delicious! They had a great section of beer, Cali Creamin on nitro being one of my favorites! YUM! Thanks Sin of the Whale, look forward to coming back soon.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Portland6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 20, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Service was excellent. Food was just ok, nothing bad, just nothing amazing either. Definitely over priced. Noise levels were horrible, had to shout to be heard across a small table, and the place wasn't even half full.
    Sign of the WhaleResponded on August 1, 2019
    Hi There! Sorry for the delayed response, we appreciate your honest feedback. We would love more insight on this review if you'd like to call the restaurant and ask for Amani, our operating partner. She would love to speak to you directly and discuss ways we can improve and improve your next experience. Cheers.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 18, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came here before a Nerdioke event for dinner then drinks with friends- we had a BLAST! The service was exceptional, and the crispy salmon was outstanding. Great drink specials and fun vibe- can’t wait to come back!

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FAQs

Sign of the Whale is rated 3.6 stars by 6 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Sign of the Whale

672 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6916

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Fifth Ave & G St
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 am Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
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